Bittersweet Good-byes

When we arrived in the Dominican Republic, the initial information
that we received about our ministry location, Guatchupita, was less
than appealing. We were told that the level of poverty was high, many
people were alcoholics and drug-addicts, and the children were
rambunctious and temperamental. I pictured the 3rd ward in Houston.
Although working in Guatchupita was definitely difficult and
frustrating on some days, the pre-conceived idea of Guatchupita was
contradictory to what I found to be true.

 

I found a community that, although rough around the edges, is a
welcoming place. How many people do you know would invite strangers
into their houses to have a random conversation, all the while
apologizing for not having tea or coffee available to offer, because
they barely have enough food to feed their family? Not many.

 

The same people that struggle with addictions and poverty, found a
home for a newborn child that had been abandoned by her mother.
Valeria’s mother left her crying in her crib for days before anyone
found her; she was on the brink of death at a mere 2.4 lbs. The people
of Guatchupita told Kristin, who then fought to enroll Valeria in a
nutrition program.

 

A young woman named Diana told us of her struggle with depression
and her desire to maintain a relationship with Christ; her family
ridicules and speaks down to her about being a Christian, but still she
yearns for truth. 

Children immediately grabbed our hands and chased after us as we
walked through the streets. While I did have to break up at least one
fight a day, I saw a love in the children that could easily be
overlooked without the persistent effort to get to know them. Isn’t
this the truth with everyone?

 

I have a deep hope for Guatchupita. I’ve always been convinced
that people truly are good at heart and found this to be true in
Guatchupita. Although confused and misguided, they are not a lost
cause. Please keep this precious community in your prayers.